November 04, 2024
This year has been particularly active for cybercriminals, with several high-profile data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project management platforms, no sector is safe from these threats. But what implications do these breaches have for small to midsize businesses? The vulnerabilities are the same, and failing to address them can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Let's review five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and explore ways your business can stay protected.
1. National Public Data
Recently, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. This data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Some of the data has appeared on the dark web, though experts are still assessing its accuracy, as the populations of the listed countries total only about half a billion. Nonetheless, it's likely that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Given the scale of this breach, everyone should closely monitor their financial and online identities immediately. A practical measure is to freeze your credit to prevent identity theft, unfreezing it as needed for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Check if your information was exposed here!
2. Ticketmaster
A major data breach at Ticketmaster compromised the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company's database in April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. This breach exposed significant security flaws at Ticketmaster, raising consumer concerns. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Moreover, this breach exacerbated the legal troubles of Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, which was already facing a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice for anticompetitive practices.
3. Change Healthcare
In February 2024, Change Healthcare suffered a massive ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of over 145 million individuals. This breach, one of the largest in healthcare history, compromised sensitive data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records. The incident had widespread effects on patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, prompting the healthcare industry to reassess their cybersecurity strategies to prevent similar attacks.
4. AT&T
In March, AT&T experienced a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. This extensive breach included sensitive data like Social Security numbers, account details, and passcodes. The breach was traced back to data from as early as 2019, which appeared on the dark web in March 2024. This incident is part of a series of attacks on AT&T, following a 2023 breach affecting 9 million users. In response, AT&T initiated an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach has also exposed the company to potential class action lawsuits.
Even if your business doesn't manage millions of customers like AT&T, it's still vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It's essential to protect your network by implementing strong security measures, training employees on password and phishing prevention, and maintaining an active cybersecurity strategy.
5. Dell
In May, Dell faced a security breach when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to infiltrate one of their resellers' client portals. This breach exposed 49 million records containing sensitive data, including customer names, email addresses, payment information, and account details. The incident raised serious concerns about Dell's cybersecurity practices, leading the company to issue a public apology and commit to enhancing its security protocols. As a result, Dell is under increased regulatory scrutiny and may face legal challenges as more details about the impact emerge.
What Does This Mean For You Personally?
We have several blogs on actions to take if you're affected by a data breach, but the most crucial step is to freeze your credit and monitor your bank accounts. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can help you determine if your email has been exposed in a breach.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While these breaches occurred at major companies, small to midsize businesses are not exempt from targeting. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have in place. Cybercriminals are aware of this, and the stakes couldn't be higher: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.
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If these stories have you thinking about your own vulnerabilities,
that's a good thing. The best defense is a proactive one. We're offering a FREE
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